Azithromycin for uncomplicated severe acute malnutrition: study protocol for a pilot randomized controlled trial.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Given the high risk of infectious mortality among children with severe acute malnutrition (SAM), the World Health Organization recommends routine administration of a broad-spectrum antibiotic like amoxicillin as part of the management of uncomplicated SAM. However, evidence for the efficacy of amoxicillin to improve nutritional recovery or reduce mortality has been mixed. With a long half-life and evidence of efficacy to reduce mortality in high-risk populations, azithromycin is a potential alternative to amoxicillin in the management of SAM. In this pilot study, we aim to compare the efficacy of azithromycin to amoxicillin to improve nutritional outcomes in children with uncomplicated SAM.

Methods

This pilot randomized controlled trial will enroll 300 children wi

SUBMITTER: O'Brien KS 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8056624 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature